The Changing Winds

As winter’s grip weakens, spring in all its beauty and anticipation starts to bring about many changes. We may hear the excited chirping of a variety of birds returning from their winter habitat. We will see a brilliant blue sky filled with a warming sun, while big, puffy clouds float silently overhead. We may notice that even the still frozen soil will yield to the push of the first crocus buds.

All that beauty comes with a little bit of a price for aviators in particular. That price is putting up with the highly changeable weather.  For instance, cold fronts can still race through the region producing copious snow, freezing rain, sleet, and freezing fog. While just hours later it can be bright and sunny with temperatures quickly warming to the point where it feels as if jackets aren’t needed.

So, bear in mind that spring weather is often tumultuous. One day you can have snow and the next can be washed out with severe thunderstorms and hail. The point is aviators must maintain a very high level of weather awareness to help assure their safety and the safety of their passengers, at all times. It is always wise to get a professional weather briefing and plan carefully and thoroughly before you take off.

Remember, this is a time when those last vestiges of winter and the lengthening days of spring combine to bring about fast moving, variable weather, with the changing winds.

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